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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apparent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of apparent are clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is it sensible to use clear instead of apparent?

The meanings of clear and apparent largely overlap; however, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

In what contexts can distinct take the place of apparent?

While in some cases nearly identical to apparent, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When might evident be a better fit than apparent?

While the synonyms evident and apparent are close in meaning, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When can manifest be used instead of apparent?

The words manifest and apparent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to apparent?

Although the words obvious and apparent have much in common, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When would patent be a good substitute for apparent?

In some situations, the words patent and apparent are roughly equivalent. However, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When is plain a more appropriate choice than apparent?

The words plain and apparent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of apparent Some of the results of the real-time experiment are already becoming apparent, both to regular users and people working in health care. Marin Cogan, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 This leads many of them to not vote in major elections in the U.S., a sentiment that is apparent even in this upcoming presidential election. Tausif Sanzum, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The sisterhood shared between the two creators was apparent. Akili King, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024 The apparent shift away from spotlighting education issues during this campaign season shows that Republicans may be backing down from controversial culture war issues. Sommer Brugal, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apparent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
Adjective
  • Black smoke was visible as the red flames came from the roof of the building.
    NBC New York, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • On a clear night, several planets in our solar system were visible without a telescope.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But what was once hard to fathom is now an obvious reality.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Paul and Brian’s relationship, for example, is a minor one compared to most of the central friendships, but there’s an obvious appeal to the drastic contrast in their energies.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Returning to school as quickly as possible, with appropriate support, and getting light exercise that doesn’t pose a head injury risk are important first steps in concussion recovery, and in line with the latest research.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The Trust continues to focus on maintaining its investment objective of tracking the Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index as closely as possible.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Related Articles There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back.
    Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Other experiments are less noticeable but nonetheless consequential: by increasing early voting, for example, states have observed changes in who participates in elections, including those previously left out of the process.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Most were evident when Newsom was elected governor in 2018, promising vigorous efforts to neutralize them, such as his ridiculous pledge to build 3.5 million units of housing, but most have become even more intractable during his reign.
    Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
  • That much was evident Saturday when the 49ers, as expected, took running back Christian McCaffrey off the injured reserve list and placed him on the 53-man roster.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
  • Political pressure will come to the Kremlin not just from opponents of the war but also from those dismayed by the military’s startling incompetence and seeming lack of determination.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 27 Sep. 2022
Adjective
  • Here is a visual essay of polling stations and voters across the nation.
    Laura A. Oda, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • That said, even with Godot’s consumer-friendly attempts, amateurs might have difficulty getting on board, especially without an intuitive visual scripting option.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Today’s in-store experience will often include elaborate displays, holiday scents wafting through the air, and the unmistakable sound of Christmas carols.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Colonial-style home, listed by Marjorie Galen of Sotheby’s International Realty, is painted an unmistakable bright yellow hue—as expected by its name—as an homage to the original Yellow Barn.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near apparent

Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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